A $55 million project aimed at protecting and restoring the Broward County shoreline got underway Monday.
The Broward County Segment II shore Protection Project will redistribute some 750,000 cubic yards of sand along beaches in Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-theSea and Fort Lauderdale.
The project will add sand to areas that haven't been renourished since the early 1980's, and will increase storm protection and habitat along the shoreline.
Tons of sand making its way to Broward beaches! Find out how this shore protection project could impact you on @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/6Se57KIYTw — Erika Glover (@ErikaGloverNBC6) January 4, 2016
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently approved the project, which will reimburse $30 million, more than half the cost of the overall project, including post monitoring of the new sand. Broward County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the three cities that are part of the Segment II project will pick up the rest of the cost.
The sand is coming from the Ortona Sand Mine in LaBelle, Florida, and will be distributed from three access points along the 4.9 mile stretch of beach.
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At each access site, 120 trucks will deliver an estimated 2,500 tons of sand six days a week through the duration of the project.
"Our beaches are enjoyed by residents and tourists and they are vital to Broward County's infrastructure and economy," Broward Commissioner Chip LaMarca said in a statement. "Tourists spent an estimated $13-billion last year. We hope to keep this permit open, so that we can continue to protect and enhance the shoreline as necessary."
For more information on the project, visit broward.org/beachrenourishment.
